EU Presidency Statement on the two-day ceasefire declared by the Government of Sri Lanka
The Presidency of the Council of the European Union welcomes the two-day ceasefire declared by the Government of Sri Lanka.
It remains however deeply concerned about the situation for the civilians trapped in the conflict zone and therefore calls for an extension of the pause in order to facilitate humanitarian operations and ensure the physical safety of all civilians.
The Presidency strongly urges the LTTE to allow civilians to leave the conflict area. The Presidency urges respect for human rights and calls on both parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law.
The Presidency furthermore welcomes the announcement of the UN Secretary General that the United Nations will do whatever it can to support a pause in military operations and help improve the grave predicament of civilians in the conflict zone.
Contact:
- Zuzana Opletalová, Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- tel.: +420 224 182 426, GSM: +420 724 034 154; e-mail: zuzana_opletalova@mzv.cz
Last update: 16.8.2011 15:32
